A friend told me I had to read Alan’s book and I’m so glad she recommended it to me. He shares fascinating stories and provocative insights that demonstrate how to love your neighbors. I felt like I was nodding my head “YES!” the entire book.

This quote could have been pulled from the pages of my journal. With one little swap of the cafe table for the Turquoise Table:

Like many people, we don’t have a front porch. Our home was built with the assumption that homeowners wanted privacy, so the backyard is optimized for outdoor activities, and the front of the house is relatively uninviting. Instead of spending time in our backyard, however, we created a few small rocked areas in the front yard with a cafe table and lounge chairs to be visible to those walking by. ~ Alan Briggs {p. 38}

Alan goes on to share the story of how his neighborhood hosts Free Coffee Fridays. Seriously? It’s like we are kindreds. I wanted to pick up the phone and call him and not only tell him about our neighborhood’s Front Yard Fridays, but invite him to come. Then I remembered, I don’t actually know Alan Briggs. Small detail.

I’m excited to give one of you a copy of Staying is the New Going. The book is full of practical advice as you venture out into your own neighborhoods and live as Front Yard People.

{From Amazon} Do you get tired sitting in a pew? Have you ever fantasized about traveling to the other side of the world, telling people about the good news of Jesus Christ? Wake up and look around: The world is right here, waiting for the Good News to make itself known.

For too long we’ve outsourced God’s work in the world to missionaries “out there” at the ends of the earth. In reality, God wants us to love our neighbor right next door. He wants us to pray for the welfare of our zip code, to witness to the world outside our window. He wants us to be the church, the people of God, in conversation and meaningful engagement with the people God loves outside the walls of the church.

The stories in this book will change the way you look at your city and provide insights into how you can be an authentic Christian.

Freebie Friday Book Giveaway

Follow the instructions on the widget below to find multiple ways to enter for your chance to win this fantastic book.

I’d love for you to share this post with your friends and neighbors. We are in this together — building community and loving people right where we live.

AND thanks for being such an inspiration Kristin! I found my perfect table a few weeks ago when the neighborhood was doing clean up days. I was like ok God…I really need a table and I’m ready to do the work to refinish it but PLEASE let there be one on the side of the road 🙂 I searched and searched and had girlfriends looking too. We found one that needs some TLC (I’m up for a refinishing challenge) but it has hearts cut out in the ends! God was definitely showing me how amazing he is by such a simple and small thing. As I drove up to it and saw the hearts I just laughed because I was like, yup, God you are awesome and this is better than what I imagined 🙂 I had just really felt like my turquoise table was supposed to have history and I can’t wait to work on it. I can’t wait to finish it and tell my story. Love from MN 🙂

WHA?!?! This is a trash to treasure story for sure. I love that you’ve already involved your girlfriends. And then that God answered your prayers in such a straight forward, immediate way. I call those gifts God’s love emoji raining right down on us. Can’t wait to see God’s plans for that restored table. Keep me posted, Rebecca. Also where are you in MN? There are several tables there now… maybe I’ll plan a road trip. 🙂

I would love to be a front yard person. The Friday morning coffee would be right down my alley. My hysband and I are working on getting out of our country house and moving back into town where we can be more involved in peoples lives.

Patty, Isn’t the Free Friday Coffee fun? It’s such a simple and easy way to offer hospitality and have folks slow down long enough for an initial conversation. Please keep me posted on your move and I’ll keep you in my prayers! Exciting to see what adventure awaits. xo

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meet kristin

Welcome! I'm so glad you're here.

I'm on a mission to love my neighbors. I put an ordinary picnic table in my front yard, painted it turquoise and invited neighbors, friends, and even strangers to hang out and do life together at the Turquoise Table.